Employment: Employer: High Court Litigation
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 2
Email address
enquiries@farrer.co.ukContact number
(020) 3375 7000Chambers Review
Farrer & Co provides expert advice to employers from the financial, education and sports sectors. The firm is also renowned for its work for senior executives, notably advising on severance negotiations and restrictive covenant-related matters. It regularly advises both sets of clients on discrimination, whistle-blowing and dismissal-related claims. The team has a particularly strong practice for assisting organisations with the implementation of appropriate safeguarding policies. The firm's expertise extends to the employment implications of sensitive employment disputes and shareholder activism.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Farrer & Co are always my law firm of first choice for the quality of the advice and service they provide."
"Their employment team is excellent, all of whom have depth of knowledge and expertise."
"They have expert coverage of a wide range of topics and the work is always delegated to the right person."
"The level of experience at the firm and balancing of legalities with commercial reality was impressive."
"Farrer & Co are always my law firm of first choice for the quality of the advice and service they provide."
"Their employment team is excellent, all of whom have depth of knowledge and expertise."
"They have expert coverage of a wide range of topics and the work is always delegated to the right person."
"The level of experience at the firm and balancing of legalities with commercial reality was impressive."
Notable Practitioners
Anna Birtwistle is regularly called upon by senior individuals to advise on exits and discrimination claims. She is also experienced in assisting clients with misconduct investigations.
"Anna is the perfect blend of intelligence, sophistication and empathy."
"It was a pleasure collaborating with someone who not only excels in their field but also brings such a reassuring presence to every interaction."
"She is bright, forthright, confident and her work ethic is second to none."
David Smellie has decades of experience and draws widespread praise for his sophisticated representation of senior employees. He is often called upon to advise on team moves and senior exits.
"He is outstanding with his approach, knowledge and service levels."
"David is a really good employment lawyer."
Eleanor Rowswell is recognised for her work representing senior-level City of London employees. She regularly works with individuals at financial services organisations and law firms, advising them on contract negotiations, exits and disputes.
"Eleanor is a very clear thinker whose advice is concisely presented. She is very responsive and works very effectively to a tight timeline."
"She’s excellent in terms of knowledge, responsiveness and her ability to give clear, actionable advice."
"Eleanor demonstrated an exceptional level of efficiency, ensuring that no time was wasted and that we were always a step ahead."
Kathleen Heycock is recognised for her work for both senior employees and employers in the education sector. She is especially well-known for advising executive-level employees in the financial services sector.
"Kathleen is excellent in her approach when providing advice and guidance. She is thorough and pragmatic."
"Kathleen has been a pleasure to work with and able to cater to the business-driven needs of the client."
"She is an excellent all-round practitioner who is open to commercial debate about the right course of action."
Rachel Lewis advises employers from a wide range of areas including the cultural, professional services and financial sectors. She is experienced in discrimination claims and reorganisations.
"She offers alternatives and is happy to discuss the pros and cons of different courses of action so you are left feeling that you are in control and your decision will be supported."
"Rachel is consistently excellent in provision of advice and guidance with a human approach."
"She is excellent and pragmatic."
David Hunt is a partner at Farrer & Co who handles whistle-blowing, disciplinary and grievance matters for employers from a range of industries. He has a particular emphasis on the financial services and sports sectors. Hunt also has additional expertise in handling High Court litigation matters.
"David provides excellent support to us where we feel he is an extension of our team. He is incredibly responsive and pragmatic."
"He's very calm, clever and cerebral but down to earth and commercial."
"He always knows the answer and is really commercial in his advice."
Charmaine Pollock regularly advises senior executives in relation to internal investigation and allegations made against them, as well as entry and exit negotiations.
"Charmaine is very good. She's really strong, especially when it comes to senior executive work."
Ranked Lawyers at
Farrer & Co LLP
London (Firms)
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Provided by Farrer & Co LLP